Abstract: A multi-user system for text mining a large population of research documents in an efficient and cost-effective fashion includes a content repository, a text mining processor, and a derived data repository that are linked via a user-accessible, central project manager. The content repository includes a data storage device for storing the research documents and a content selection facility for receiving a user-defined query that is able to support cost-related search parameters. The query is utilized by the content selection facility to select an initial collection of documents from the data storage device. Content spread metrics are then displayed through user-intuitive reports to allow for subsequent modification of the search query to yield an optimized document collection. The optimized document collection is then parsed, tagged and clustered by the text mining processor to produce search results that are stored as a data set in the derived data repository.

Abstract: A power-saving robot system includes at least one peripheral device and a mobile robot. The peripheral device includes a controller having an active mode and a hibernation mode, and a wireless communication component capable of activation in the hibernation mode. A controller of the robot has an activating routine that communicates with and temporarily activates the peripheral device, via wireless communication, from the hibernation mode. In another aspect, a robot system includes a network data bridge and a mobile robot. The network data bridge includes a broadband network interface, a wireless command interface, and a data bridge component. The data bridge component extracts serial commands received via the broadband network interface from an internet protocol, applies a command protocol thereto, and broadcasts the serial commands via the wireless interface. The mobile robot includes a wireless command communication component that receives the serial commands transmitted from the network data bridge.

Abstract: A vending machine provides a warning indication that insufficient change may be available if the total amount of available change is less than the value of the highest-denomination monetary unit which is not refundable. An insufficient change indication is also provided in response to inserting a coin or instructing a vending operation which would result in the amount of refundable change being less than the correct amount by a value which is greater than a predetermined, alterable overpay amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing communications in a currency-handling machine. The method includes generating an encrypted transaction message based on a bill acceptor transaction event, communicating the encrypted transaction message to a transaction controller, decrypting the encrypted transaction message and enabling the bill acceptor to accept bills.

Abstract: Cash handling apparatus comprising a power input and a money transport system for moving items of money in a normal operating mode, with a power control system for detecting a probable reduced supply power level and, in dependence thereon, for selecting a reduced power mode in which the money transport system continues to function for future transactions, whilst the apparatus draws a lower power from the power input.

Abstract: Apparatus for metal plating an article comprising a frame having a plurality of sealing members positioned thereon, the frame being capable of conducting an electrical current between sealing members, each sealing member being adapted to be in close contact with part of an article to be located thereon, and to thereby substantially prevent fluid from touching that part of the article or entering into a bore or recess of the article, each sealing member further being adapted to conduct current between the frame and the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing communications in a currency-handling machine. The method includes generating an encrypted transaction message based on a bill acceptor transaction event, communicating the encrypted transaction message to a transaction controller, decrypting the encrypted transaction message and enabling the bill acceptor to accept bills.

Abstract: Apparatus for metal plating an article comprising a frame having a plurality of sealing members positioned thereon, the frame being capable of conducting an electrical current between sealing members, each sealing member being adapted to be in close contact with part of an article to be located thereon, and to thereby substantially prevent fluid from touching that part of the article or entering into a bore or recess of the article, each sealing member further being adapted to conduct current between the frame and the article.

Abstract: Apparatus for metal plating an article comprising a frame having a plurality of sealing members positioned thereon, the frame being capable of conducting an electrical current between sealing members, each sealing member being adapted to be in close contact with part of an article to be located thereon, and to thereby substantially prevent fluid from touching that part of the article or entering into a bore or recess of the article, each sealing member further being adapted to conduct current between the frame and the article.

Abstract: A money handling mechanism 110 has a first port P1 for connection to a machine controller 130 and a second port P2 to which further money handling mechanisms can be connected. Different types of mechanism, such as a card acceptor 70 or a bill validator 100, can be connected to the second port P2 over a bus B. The first port P1 may be connected to one of several interface adapters 410 to 416, and the communications protocol used is selected accordingly. If the first port P1 uses the same protocol as the second port P2, signals are passed transparently between the first port P1 and the second port P2. Signals from the additional mechanism may be modified to be recognisable by the controller 130. The money handling mechanism 110 may convert between the denominations of currencies represented in the protocols over the first and second ports P1 and P2.

Abstract: A coin or banknote validator is calibrated to accept items of value by taking successive measurements of items and using them to update acceptability data which defines at least one acceptability criterion for testing. Each measurement is first checked against a suitability criterion, and is only used for updating the acceptability data if the suitability criterion is met. In this way, the acceptability data can be derived without storing all the individual measurements, while still rejecting those measurements which are statistically unsound. The suitability criteria is such that if a measurement differs from the current acceptability data by more than a predetermined amount, the criterion is not met. To avoid problems resulting from the first measurement being unsound, this first measurement is discarded if it does not lie within a predetermined range of the second measurement.

Abstract: A truck tractor has the fifth wheel mounted on a sub-frame which is pivotally connected between the tractor chassis and the rear axle of the tractor in order to improve the ride and handling of the tractor both when the truck is laden and unladen. Suspension elements are connected between the rear axle and the chassis frame. In one embodiment of the device the suspension elements comprise rubber blocks, and in another embodiment of the device, the suspension elements comprise leaf springs.

Abstract: A coach or bus of integral construction made up of a lower section, housing engine, suspension and service units and ducts, and an upper section incorporating a passenger saloon. The lower section comprises a sequence of boxes serving simultaneously as structural members and running component enclosures. The box walls are of readily replaceable flat panels. The combination of the upper and lower sections provides a much stiffer structure than heretofore found in conventional constructions.

Abstract: A money handling mechanism 110 has a first port P1 for connection to a machine controller 130 and a second port P2 to which further money handling mechanisms can be connected. Different types of mechanism, such as a card acceptor 70 or a bill validator 100, can be connected to the second port P2 over a bus B. The first port P1 may be connected to one of several interface adapters 410 to 416, and the communications protocol used is selected accordingly. If the first port P1 uses the same protocol as the second port P2, signals are passed transparently between the first port P1 and the second port P2. Signals from the additional mechanism may be modified to be recognisable by the controller 130. The money handling mechanism 110 may convert between the denominations of currencies represented in the protocols over the first and second ports P1 and P2.